NZQA unit standard / 27022 version 3
Page 1 of 3
Title / Demonstrate knowledge of and evaluate environmental management systems and environmental certification products
Level / 5 / Credits / 5
Purpose / This unit standard is for people who may be working as resource efficiency programme managers and consultants.
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of environmental management systems and environmental product certification schemes; and, evaluate the applicability of environmental management systems and environmental product certification schemes to an organisation.
Classification / Zero Waste > Resource Efficiency
Available grade / Achieved

Guidance Information

1Recommended websites

International Standards Organisation at for ISO 14001 and 14004 standards;

Enviro-Mark NZ –

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment at for ecolabel data;

Qualmark –

Eco-Warranty –

Eco-Management and Audit System –

2Definitions

An environmental management system (EMS) is the process used by an organisation to manage, review, correct, and improve the organisation’s impact on the environment. It offers a structured way to incorporate environmental considerations into day-to-day operations and promotes continual caring for the environment.

Organisation refers to an entire business entity in the private or public sector or a business unit within the organisation.

Outcomes and performance criteria

Outcome 1

Demonstrate knowledge of environmental management systems and environmental product certification schemes.

Performance criteria

1.1Differences between product certification and organisation certification are explained in relation to their outcomes for ensuring resource efficiency.

RangeType I, II, and III ecolabels, other environmental credentials used to express the environmental attributes of products or services.

1.2Attributes of environmental management systems are compared in terms of their suitability for different types of business activity.

Rangeevidence of five systems is required.

1.3The use and credibility of environmental claims are discussed in relation to business risk and opportunity.

1.4The importance of accreditation and certification is explained in terms of their use to substantiate environmental performance claims.

Outcome 2

Evaluate the applicability of an environmental management system and an environmental certification product to an organisation.

Performance criteria

2.1An environmental management system is assessed in terms of how it may be applied by an organisation or industry sector.

2.2An evaluation provides a reasoned case for an organisation adopting or declining to use an EMS or environmental certification product.

Planned review date / 31 December 2023

Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions

Process / Version / Date / Last Date for Assessment
Registration / 1 / 17 June 2011 / 31 December 2015
Revision / 2 / 21 November 2013 / N/A
Rollover and Revision / 3 / 28 June 2018 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0014

This CMR can be accessed at

Comments on this unit standard

Please contact MITO New Zealand Incorporated if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.

MITO New Zealand Incorporated
SSB Code 101542 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018